Speech by SMS Lee Yi Shyan at the ASICS Asia Pte Ltd Inauguration Celebration Dinner at Marina Bay Sands

Mr. Motoi Oyama, President and CEO, ASICS Corporation

Mr. Katsumi Kato, Director and Managing Executive Officer, ASICS Corporation

Distinguished guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Introduction

1           I am delighted to join all of you to celebrate the opening of ASICS’s regional headquarters and logistics centre for South East Asia in Singapore. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to ASICS Corporation on the inauguration of ASICS Asia Pte Ltd.

2           Singapore and Japan enjoy a deep and long-standing bilateral relationship. Japanese companies have been one of Singapore’s earliest investors since the 1970s. Today, Japan is Singapore’s top Asian investor and we warmly welcome ASICS to the community as well. 

Singapore As The Ideal Sports Business Hub To Access Asian Growth

3           Singapore is strategically located and well-positioned to capture growth opportunities in the region.  Many global companies, including top sports brand-owners and sports services companies, have therefore chosen Singapore as a headquarters location to manage key functions such as finance, sales and marketing. Over the years, they have also leveraged Singapore as a base to innovate and test-bed new products and events as well as to develop talent and leadership.

4           Singapore has also been ranked as the

top Asian logistics hub in The World Bank’s 2014 Logistics Performance Index. This affirms ASICS’ decision to locate its regional logistics hub in Singapore.

5           Furthermore, the sporting scene in Singapore is becoming more vibrant with the opening of Sports Hub, some highly-anticipated events such as the OUE Singapore Open (Badminton) which saw 9,500 spectators at the Indoor stadium last Sunday; the Women’s Tennis Association Championships, Formula 1 and of course, the 2015 SEA Games. Companies such as ASICS have a ready and fertile ground for marketing and branding communications.

6           Singapore is committed to building a deep and vibrant sporting culture for the long term. Sports Singapore aims to inspire the Singapore spirit and transform Singapore through sport. Companies like ASICS will be valuable partners in supporting our athletic talents, sports associations, and fostering broad-based interest in sports in Singapore.

Conclusion

7           Ladies and gentlemen, my heartiest congratulations to the management and staff of ASICS Singapore on the opening of your regional headquarters. May I wish you continued success in all your endeavors! Thank you.